FIREFIGHTERS in Alderney rescued a horse after it got stuck down a hole believed to be the entrance to an old German bunker.
Crews were called out when the animal was discovered in distress and unable to move, with a back leg stuck under a large concrete lintel.
On arrival, they found that the owner had covered the horse with a large blanket to protect him from the elements and keep him calm.
After assessing the situation along with the Alderney Animal Welfare Society, crews got to work to pass a rope and a tarpaulin under the horse.
With one crew member watching that the animal’s stuck leg wasn’t going to get caught, the team pulled on the rope while pushing the horse from behind.
Describing the rescue, Alderney Fire Brigade said: “Slowly but surely, the horse was retrieved from the hole and was safely lying on the grass.
“After what seemed like an age, and with lots of massaging and encouragement, he was able to be helped up onto his unsteady feet.
“After a few more long minutes of being supported from all involved he eventually regained the feeling in his legs, and would allow himself to be guided out of his field and back to his warm dry stable.”
